One of the big surprises of 2017 is Nier: Automata, a joint effort between Platinum Games, series director Yoko Taro, and Square Enix. While its predecessor under performed, Automata has quickly become a sleeper hit among critics and fans alike. Positive review scores and strong word of mouth helped the game continue to sell well even when facing against strong competition from games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and the launch of the Nintendo Switch. These facts have not been lost on Platinum Games co-founder, Hideki Kamiya, who recently expressed his gratitude for not only the opportunity but for how it helped his studio navigate through a rough time.

Nier's success has to this point given Platinum a new fanbase, a growing staff, a brilliant success story, an increase in qualified job applicants, and a great benefit. Normally, I can't help but do everything by myself... It's a pitiful story, but to say that Yoko-san saved Platinum would not be an exaggeration. I cannot thank him enough.

The pairing between Taro and Kamiya worked extremely well, pairing two outspoken and very public personalities. Kamiya is not only the public face of Platinum, but a man known to be quite outspoken regarding his thoughts and views. The quirky developer Yoko Taro follows a similar path, though it can be said that many may recognize him as the man who wears a distinctive mask over his head nearly all of the time. Both men have remained active in the post-launch months of Nier: Automata, no doubt contributing to the game continuing to pass all expectations.

Though Kamiya stops short, the rough period referenced in the Tweet likely surrounds Platinum's recently cancelled Xbox exclusive, Scalebound. The big-budget AAA title was initially positioned as a must have exclusive featuring an interesting dynamic between a dragon and human, only to be unceremoniously canned earlier this year. Adding on to the tough times at the studio was the underwhelming reception of some of its recent games like Star Fox Zero and Teeneage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan.

Nier: Automata is available now on PC and PlayStation 4.

Source: NeoGAF